The Premier League transfer window will open this Thursday and it's shaping up to be a busy summer at Manchester United.
Recruitment is already well under way at Old Trafford and clubs have been working on and concluding deals already ahead of the window officially opening, but it's a date when the business will begin to hot up. United might not need as many as 10 new players, as Ralf Rangnick claimed in April, but five new arrivals wouldn't be a surprise as Erik ten Hag looks to strengthen his squad.
In a summer of transition, it's no surprise to see agents using United's name in the media — either as bait for other clubs or to try and earn their clients a better deal. But there are some players we already know that are being targeted.
READ MORE: Ten Hag must get rid of seven more United players this summer
United have made midfield and attack their priority this summer, but at least one new defender is also on the radar, so what are the chances of players arriving? We've assessed the key targets at the moment.
Frenkie de Jong
This is the most talked-about transfer so far this summer, even if it threatens to be the one that drags out the longest as well.
Ten Hag wants a reunion with his former Ajax midfielder and Barcelona's dire financial problems mean they are open to a sale. Everyone in football knows they need the cash, however, and that makes United's bargaining hand a relatively strong open when it comes to negotiations with the La Liga club.
The biggest issue might be convincing De Jong to swap the Champions League for the Europa League and the prospect of a rebuild at Old Trafford, even if Ten Hag being in charge is an attraction.
If De Jong is essentially forced out of the Nou Camp and United are making the strongest play for his services, then his options might be limited. If other clubs join the race then it could become complicated.
Darwin Nunez
If De Jong would take up a sizeable chunk of United's summer budget, then Nunez would swallow up almost all of it.
United chiefs insist Ten Hag and football director John Murtough have a "sizeable" budget to work with and it will be supplemented by player sales, but Benfica are likely to demand around £80million for Nunez.
The Uruguayan striker signed up with super-agent Jorge Mendes in April, a sure indication the 22-year-old wants a move this summer and Benfica will want to cash in. He fits the profile of forward United want, but Liverpool are reported to be interested as well and a lot of the talk over Nunez's future in Portugal is being agent-driven.
United's name appears in the Portuguese media more than any other when it comes to players looking to leave Benfica, Porto and Sporting. Ten Hag might admire Nunez, but it's a tricky deal to pull off.
Jurrien Timber
This would be an easier transfer to do, given Ten Hag's links with Ajax and his knowledge of the player, while he's also unlikely to be too costly. The 20-year-old can play at right-back or central defender and given United must be creative this summer that is an obvious attraction, especially if Aaron Wan-Bissaka does depart.
United are prioritising additions in midfield and attack this summer, so a new defender might not be imminent, while signings are also dependent on the futures of Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe and Eric Bailly, who could all leave the club.
But when United do turn their attention to defence, Timber is a player who could make a lot of sense.
Pau Torres
Left-footed centre backs are rare at the very top of the game, which is why Torres has been on United's radar for at least two years now. United don't currently have a left-footer in their options, but Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane have played the left-sided role this season.
Torres is one of the best left-footed centre backs in Europe and could well depart Villarreal this summer. If the priority turns to a left-footer then the 25-year-old is likely to be top of the list.
David Carmo
Carmo is another left-footed option and is seen as an alternative to Torres in that position. The 22-year-old is a good age profile for United and would be a fairly under the radar transfer, as well as being considerably cheaper than Torres.
United have held discussions with his representatives, but progress on a deal will be dependant on what Ten Hag wants from his centre back, as well as how many of Jones, Tuanzebe and Bailly do move on.
Kalvin Phillips
The Leeds midfielder was one of the first United targets of this summer window, but the likelihood of a deal has recessed since that interest was first broken by the Manchester Evening News .
Leeds' Premier League survival has strengthened their own negotiation hand and Phillips, from a family of Leeds fans, was always aware of the sensitivities of moving across the Pennines. Manchester City have now emerged as suitors for the England international and for Phillips that would be a better move than coming to United, for a variety of reasons.
Declan Rice
Rice is another player who has been admired by United for a couple of years but a deal this summer is almost impossible, given the lofty price tag West Ham have put on him.
The 23-year-old is refusing to sign a new contract with the Hammers, but their hand is still strong this summer and talk of a £150million transfer fee will be enough to scare off United, City and probably Chelsea.
Even if West Ham were to do business at £100million, that is too expensive for United this summer, and it's most likely Rice will spend another year at the London Stadium before a move in 2023.
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